A UKRAINIAN woman living in Letterkenny has told of how she still fears for her family back home as the war continues.
Switlana Pirch was one of a few hundred people who took part in a solidarity rally in Market Square yesterday evening.
Ukrainian flags flew proudly as refugee children and their parents stood should to shoulder with local people in support of Ukrainian Independence Day.
A number of other parades also took place around the county and nationally.
Independence Day traditionally marks the breakaway from the Soviet Union, but yesterday’s protest had further poignancy as it also coincided with the six months since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the start of the war.
Such gatherings are banned in Ukraine for fear of Russian air strikes targeting large groups.
But yesterday’s event came after the Ukrainian community in Letterkenny asked Intercultural Platform to help them organise an appropriate independence day event.
Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the number of Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Donegal has increased by more than 20 per cent in the last month. As of August 7, a total of 2,298 Ukrainian refugees arrived in the county.
This compares with 1,884 four weeks earlier. More than 6.5 million refugees have fled the conflict for elsewhere in Europe since the war began on February 24.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Switlana, who has been living in Letterkenny for 15 years, said she has family in western Ukraine.
“They are safe for now because of where they are. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow or after, no one knows.”
Switlana works locally and is helping refugees settle.
“They are happy,” she said.
“They have food and a roof over their head and there are no bombs here.”
She said the solidarity event meant so much to her community and that she was pleased with the turnout.
“It’s very good to see everyone here today. Because of the war, this day is very poignant.”
John Curran, manager, Donegal Volunteer Centre, said the rally was the culmination of work over a number of days with Donegal Intercultural Platform and Donegal Local Development Company. He said the event was about reflection.
“It is about getting people out to have a moment to reflect on Independence Day for Ukraine. It is a much more difficult Independence Day than a year ago. We asked people what it might be like to have your national day by forced exile, because that is what it is for Ukrainian people, and locals have responded by coming out in their droves.”
Mr Curran said the response to the event was “wonderful”. He said refugees are settling in very well owing to a concerted community effort.
“Charity shops, Tidy Towns and youth clubs are all helping out. It is wonderful to see. We have 150 people throughout the county supporting English language classes.
“The Ukrainian community here are looking to get themselves employed and to learn about where they are. Six months ago, these people would never even have heard about Letterkenny or Donegal. They are making a massive effort.”
Paul Kernan, Intercultural Platform, said the Ukrainian community feel very well supported locally.
He said they wanted to come together to give thanks for the support and assistance shown to them over the last six months since war began.
Following the vigil, refreshments, including Borscht – traditional Ukrainian beetroot soup – was served in the hall of the Letterkenny Presbyterian Church on Main Street.
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